Description

Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are a classic, savory side dish featuring seasoned bread cubes combined with sautéed onions and celery, moistened with eggs and chicken broth, then baked until golden and crispy. Perfect for holiday meals or comforting dinners alongside turkey, chicken, or roast, these flavorful bite-sized stuffing balls offer a traditional taste with a delightful texture.

Ingredients

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Stuffing Balls Ingredients

1 bag (12–14 oz) dry seasoned bread cubes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 ½ to 2 cups chicken broth, as needed
1 tsp poultry seasoning (or a mix of sage, thyme, rosemary)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
½ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for freshness)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a large baking sheet to prepare for baking the stuffing balls.
Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, cooking them until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for the stuffing.
Mix stuffing base: In a large bowl, combine the dry seasoned bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, ensuring to include all the butter from the skillet. Add poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Moisten mixture: Stir in the lightly beaten eggs to the bread mixture. Gradually add chicken broth, starting with 1 ½ cups and adding up to 2 cups as needed. The mixture should be moist but able to hold together when pressed, not soggy.
Form balls: Scoop a handful of the mixture and roll it into golf ball-sized balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced to allow for heat circulation.
Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until they turn golden brown and have a slightly crisp exterior. This baking step finishes the cooking and creates a delicious texture contrast.
Serve: Serve the stuffing balls warm as a side dish alongside turkey, chicken, or any roast dinner to complement your meal with a traditional and tasty touch.

Notes

If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Adding fresh parsley at the end brightens the flavor and adds a pop of color.
Adjust seasoning to taste; some bread cubes already contain salt and herbs.
These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
For a crispier exterior, consider broiling for the last 2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
Calories: 85
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg